Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (pronunciation: sul-fa-DOX-een-pye-RIM-e-thamine) is a combination antimalarial drug used primarily to treat or prevent malaria. It is also used to treat various other parasitic diseases.
Etymology
The name "Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine" is derived from the two active ingredients in the drug: sulfadoxine, a sulfonamide antibiotic, and pyrimethamine, a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor.
Usage
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is used in the treatment of malaria, specifically for the prevention and treatment of Plasmodium falciparum infections. It is also used in combination with other drugs to treat toxoplasmosis and pneumocystis pneumonia.
Mechanism of Action
Sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine work synergistically to inhibit the growth of parasites. Sulfadoxine inhibits the enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase, while pyrimethamine inhibits dihydrofolate reductase. Both enzymes are necessary for the synthesis of folic acid, which is essential for the growth and multiplication of parasites.
Side Effects
Common side effects of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, liver problems, and blood disorders.
Related Terms
- Antimalarial drug
- Malaria
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Toxoplasmosis
- Pneumocystis pneumonia
- Sulfonamide
- Dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor
- Dihydropteroate synthetase
- Folic acid
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
- Wikipedia's article - Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
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